This week:
Bechukotai

The word has-keit — “pay attention” — is unusual.
The Talmud gives the following homiletic interpretation:

“Form groups
(asukittot) and study Torah; for Torah knowledge is
only acquired through group study.” (Berachot 63b)

Intolerance, Ignorance, and Iniquity

Rabbi Yossi went even further. He warned that scholars who study alone
are liable to acquire three negative traits:
intolerance, ignorance, and sin.

What is so terrible about studying by oneself?

This question may be addressed both on a practical level, and in
terms of the essential nature of Torah study.

There are three practical benefits when scholars study together.
The first advantage is that they become accustomed to
hearing opinions different than their own. This trains them for
greater openness and tolerance. Scholars who study by themselves
are not exposed to their colleagues’ views and ideas. They
grow to be intolerant of any opinion that differs from their own
interpretation. This intolerance is a major factor in disputes,
and can lead to verbal and even physical violence.

Secondly, scholars who study alone or in small groups will not
succeed in properly analyzing matters of faith and fundamental Torah
views. In terms of these basic subjects, such reclusive
scholars remain ignorant and misinformed.

And finally, a lack of clarity in legal issues will
cause those who study by themselves to err in Halachic decisions. As teachers
and leaders, these scholars are judged according to their negative impact
on the people. Furthermore, their solitude may
lead to unnecessary stringencies, which are referred to as ’sinful,’
as in the case of the Nazarite.

Torah of Life

On a fundamental level, there is a contradiction between a Torah
lifestyle and a life of reclusiveness and rejection of the world.
The Torah is a Toratchaim, a Torah of life. It values those
proper enjoyments which enrich life and bestow happiness.
By its very nature, the Torah and its mitzvot require a framework
of social and communal living. This approach leads to a healthy
society, and an appreciation for friendship and camaraderie.

The pursuit of solitude and isolation from society — which many
mistakenly think leads to closeness to God — is alien to the
Torah’s viewpoint. This outlook is so contrary to the Torah, that
even the acquisition of Torah knowledge may not be properly
accomplished by solitary study.